“The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it comes stronger than their democratic state itself. That, in its essence, is fascism - ownership of government by an individual, by a group.” – Franklin D Roosevelt [Source: Think Exist]

Friday, 9 November 2012

Pen in Hand, Obama Warns People 'Like Me' Must Face Tax Hikes

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Barack Obama has warned that people "like me" must face tax hikes, firing his first post-election shot in a year-end budget showdown with Republicans

Speaking from the White House, the president said he was not wedded to every detail of his plan and that he was open to compromise - but warned that he would reject any proposal that was "not balanced".

However, he said that raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans - including himself in that demographic - must be part of a plan to reduce the deficit, calling on Congress to pass a bill that would prevent Bush-era tax cuts from expiring for all but the rich.

"We can't just cut our way to prosperity. If we are serious about reducing the deficit, we have to combine spending cuts with revenue, and that means asking the wealthiest Americans to pay a little more in taxes," he said.

He also declared that his re-election on Tuesday showed that the majority of Americans agreed with his approach, and that they "won't tolerate dysfunction".

Pulling a pen from his blazer pocket, he declared: "I've got the pen, I'm ready to sign the bill," as he urged lawmakers to work together and take action. » | Source: AFP | Friday, November 09, 2012